MEMBER MAGAZINE 2021 - Edison Ford Winter Estates
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MEMBER MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021
2350 McGregor Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239.334.7419
edisonford.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Frank Aloia, Jr., Chair
Cole Peacock, Vice Chair
Craig McLean, Treasurer
Kathy Dean, Secretary
Sidney Ann Brinson
PRIVATE EVENTS AT
John Cauthen
Jeanne Dozier
Suzanne “Sass” Edwards
Eric Graff
Randall P. Henderson, Jr.
Richard Moulton
EDISON FORD
Steve Niehaus
Did you know that you can rent certain areas of the Estates for a
Renee Norris
Madeleine Plummer wedding, corporate event or even a family party?
Brian Rist
Karen Ryan The Edison Caretaker’s House, Moonlight Garden, River Pavilion,
Brett Sands Pergola (between the Edison and Guest houses), and the Ford
Margaret Sirianni lawn area can all be reserved for your one-of-a-kind event! Contact
Lindsey at llutarewych@edisonford.org or call 239-334-7419 and
Melvin Morgan, Emeritus Trustee
Wiley Parker, Emeritus Trustee ask for the Events Department to book your event today!
Tom Smoot, Emeritus Trustee
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Michael Flanders
What we're doing to keep you safe:
Following CDC guidelines, masks are recommended on guided
MEMBERSHIP tours, when indoors or when 6' social distancing cannot be achieved.
To become a member of Edison Ford,
• Sanitizer stations are placed throughout the site.
apply at edisonford.org/membership
• Counters and door handles are being disinfected daily.
• Plastic shields are installed at the ticket counter.
CONNECT WITH US
• Masks are available in the Museum Store.
As always, members get in free. We hope to see you soon!
2 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATES
GENERAL HOURS
Open Daily CONTENTS
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4-5 Events
6-8 In the Garden
ADMISSION
9 Business Spotlight
Guided Tour:
Edison Ford Members: $5 10-11 VIP Tours
Adults: $30 12 Historical Connection
Teens: (ages 13-19) $25 13 Adult Education
Children: (ages 6-12) $18
14-15 Tours & Programs
Children: (ages 5 and under) FREE
16 Book of the Month
17 Just for Kids
Self-Guided Tour:
18 Curatorial Corner
Edison Ford Members: FREE
Adults: $25 19 Gifts & Souvenirs
Teens: (ages 13-19) $20
Children: (ages 6-12) $15
Children: (ages 5 and under) FREE
On the cover: Oncidium orchid "Dancing Lady" and other
orchids hang from trees throughout the gardens.
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 3
EVENTS
RHYTHM ON THE RIVER
APPALACHIAN ROAD SHOW
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 • 6-8 P.M.
Get ready for the first ever bluegrass performance at
Edison Ford! This acoustic ensemble performs bluegrass
and folk music, as well as original songs for an entertaining
show! The event will take place on the Ford lawn, along
the Caloosahatchee River.
Band members include Grammy-nominated banjoist Barry
Abernathy, Grammy-winning fiddler Jim VanCleve, vocalist
and mandolinist Darrell Webb, Grammy-winning bassist
Todd Phillips, and guitarist Zeb Snyder. Abernathy, VanCleve,
and Webb were each born and raised in Appalachia.
Abernathy sang in his church as a young boy, VanCleve has
played the fiddle since he was six years old, and Webb grew
up with the influence of bluegrass music from his father.
The group's music tells stories from the mountains and valleys of North Carolina and Virginia and the coal mines of West
Virginia and Kentucky. Those stories include topics of logging, coal mining, trains, and lost love in their hit songs such
as the gospel-esque “I Am Just a Pilgrim” and “Little Black Train,” the kick-up-your-heels “Dance, Dance, Dance,” and
the ballad of love and loss in “Anna Lee.” The performance is more than just a concert and includes telling the stories
behind the songs.
The band's first album had three number-one songs on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay charts. Then, in 2019, the
band was nominated for the New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year (“Dance Dance Dance”) at the International
Bluegrass Music Association Awards.
Food and beverage vendors will have refreshments available for purchase. No coolers permitted.
Free parking is available in the main Edison Ford parking lot at 2350 McGregor Boulevard.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at EdisonFord.org or at the ticket counter.
Individual tickets purchased in advance are $30 for Edison Ford members or $35 for non-members;
tickets at the door will be $40. Individual ticket holders should bring a lawn chair.
A new VIP seating area will be open and may be reserved by the table for $225. Each table holds up to
5 people; table ticket price includes the use of a table and chairs.
4 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATES
Orchid Sale &
Symposium
October 9-10
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
A ticket is required for the presentations (each day): $10 for EF
members; $15 for non-members No charge to visit the vendor tables or
Garden Shoppe. (Does not include tours or admission to the lab and museum).
Presentation Schedule:
Saturday, October 9
In partnership with
9:30-10:30 a.m. - Little Known Orchids; Debbie Hughes,
the Southwest Florida Horticulture Director at Edison Ford
Orchid Society 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Favorite Orchids for SW FL; John Hampton,
Past President of the SW FL Orchid Society
1-2 p.m. - Orchid Mounting; Gary Murza, President of the SW FL
Orchid Society
2-3:30 p.m. - Orchid Pests & Diseases; Gary Murza, President of
Participating vendors the SW FL Orchid Society
Open to the public: Sunday, October 10
Blue Pagoda 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Intro to Orchids; Mickey Carnell, owner of Blue
Jim-N-I Orchids Pagoda Orchids
Just One More Orchid 1-2 p.m. - Putting Orchids in Trees; Debbie Hughes, Horticulture
OFE Orchid Supplies Director at Edison Ford
OrchidsAmore 2:15-3:15 p.m. - How to Grow and Re-flower Orchids; John
Orchid Jewels Hampton, Past President of the SW FL Orchid Society
Palmer Orchids
Smileys Orchids
So Orchids
Sunland Orchids
Tropiflora
Plus
Refreshments for sale
Edison Ford Garden
Shoppe open all day
Live music
2350 McGregor Blvd. · Fort Myers, FL 33901 · EdisonFord.org · 239-334-7419
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 5
IN THE GARDEN
COLLECTION DISCUSSION
PLUMERIA
By Karen Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist
Behind the main parking lot at Edison Ford, are several Many visitors to Hawaii are familiar with the plumeria flower
garden areas presented just as when Edison was researching that’s used in making leis. Those flowers are from trees that
latex-bearing plants. A small sign invites the visitor to Edison’s were imported to the Islands in 1860 from Mexico, Central
Botanic Research Gardens. There are beds of Goldenrod America and the Caribbean. Plumerias – in the same family
(Solidago spp.),* Rubber Tree Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) as Oleander – are small tropical lactiferous shrubs or trees
*and Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milli)* and if one continues with swollen stems, typically with a canopy as broad as the
along the path, a copse of homely looking stick trees is plant is tall and producing clusters of flowers from May to
beginning to mature with the promise of filling the air with October. Over the summer months, Plumerias are renowned
sweet fragrance and beautiful flowers. Planted in 2017, an for their (mostly) fragrant, five-petal waxy pinwheel flowers
important collection of Plumeria, commonly known as in a range of colors from deep reds to the purest whites,
Frangipani is emerging with an important, but different and many combinations in between.
purpose from when Plumeria was originally introduced
to the Edison property. There are 11 known species of Plumerias, each identified
by a unique leaf shape. The most popular species includes
More than a hundred years ago, in 1920, the United States Mexican or Common Plumeria (Plumeria rubra)*, which
Department of Agriculture created a Plant Introduction was the original species planted by Edison and catalogued
Garden in Miami to assist with determining the viability of as Nosegay Frangipani. Plumeria rubra is one of the most
potentially important commercial plants including sources cultivated and hybridized of the plumerias for its strong
of rubber, cacao, mango, palms and more – all with the fragrance and colors. Shedding most all its leaves when
botanist Dr. David Fairchild’s direction. dormant from November to May, this deciduous variety
is thus easy to recognize. Its botanical name refers to the
Shortly thereafter, Thomas Edison reached out to the garden color red. Most pink and red plumerias are of this species
sited at the former Chapman Field Airbase, for seeds from and produce seed pods up to 8” long.
some of the plants they were acclimating to the South
Florida conditions – specifically, he wanted latex-bearing Singapore Plumeria (Plumeria obtusa)* is the most fragrant
plants that might be used in his efforts to produce domestic and formal of the plumerias and has white flowers with
rubber. Our records indicate that Edison obtained seeds yellow throats. This species is extremely fragrant and puts
for the Cryptostegia or rubber vine plant for a 1925 spring forth prolific flowers in July and August; the botanical
planting, and it is quite possible, this was the source of the name refers to the elliptical and blunt ended leaves and
original Plumeria acuminata rubra (revised to Plumeria can produce seed pods 3-5” long. Bridal Bouquet (Plumeria
rubra acutifolia) or white frangipani trees. While originally pudica)* is an evergreen Plumeria identified by its spoon-
focused on economic applications, this Chapman Field’s shaped leaves and because of its name, is found in and
garden today is known as the Subtropical Horticulture around the Moonlight Garden, with its prolific white flowers.
Research Garden in Miami, with conservation as its primary It has little to no fragrance and should not be chosen if a
goal and where Plumerias are concerned, so is Edison and strong scented plumeria is desired.
Ford Winter Estates.
6 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATES
Plumeria rubra acutifolia Plumeria pudica
White frangipani (Plumeria alba) is a wonderful choice for Plumerias (those occurring naturally), there are thousands
fragrant white flowers with a yellow throat. Though native of cultivars in an array of colors including white, pink, yellow
to the New World, the common name, Frangipani, has and reds and combinations of three colors. All new cultivars
interesting origins in Italy. According to some, a nobleman are named and registered with The Plumeria Society of
developed a musky perfume, named it after himself and America, Inc. (www.theplumeriasociety.org), the recognized
used it to sweeten the smell of new leather gloves. Once international authority for plumeria. Some named cultivars
Europeans were introduced to Plumeria, they applied the in the Edison Ford collection include Princess Maria Tia,
name to the scented flowers. In India, it is called Pagoda Maui Beauty and Nebel’s Rainbow.
Tree and its flowers are a symbol of immortality and Hindu
brides wear the flowers in their hair as a sign of commitment In 2017, Hetty Ford, Plumeria Curator of the National Plumeria
to their new husband. In Polynesia, an available woman Collection at Naples Botanical Garden, reached out to our
will wear the flower over her right ear. Director of Horticulture, Debbie Hughes, to discuss creating
a plumeria bank to reinforce and back-up their collection
Plumerias don’t have nectar, but instead have a type of scent of species plumerias and many of its cultivars. A bank or
gland under the petals that accounts for the rich fragrance. plant repository is just what it sounds like – in the event
After dusk, the evening fragrant promise of a meal lures of a catastrophic loss of plants at one location, species are
the Sphinx Moth in search of non-existent nectar, but by protected from extinction by storing duplicates off site,
the time it has learned it may go hungry, it has gathered and today we host more than 50 Plumeria species and
enough pollen to spread it from flower to flower, sometimes cultivars in the Research Gardens. Plumerias only grow
resulting in a slow growing seed pod. In addition to species in USDA zones 10-12, so Edison Ford is a natural choice,
continued on next page
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 7
IN THE GARDEN
in addition to its historical significance to Edison’s latex
research. The long-range plan includes adding new cultivars Plumeria rubra
and expanding the collection sufficiently to propagate and
sell specimens, as space permits.
Consider including the easy care Plumeria, a great host
to the dendrobium orchid, in your sunny, well-drained
garden. Fully mature after five years, plants will grow 15-30
feet tall, depending on conditions and variety. Plumeria are
easily propagated by two methods. A vegetative cutting,
at least 12” long should be allowed to sit for four to five
days so the wounded end may form a scab, then it may be
planted directly in the ground or in a pot. These cuttings
will take three to five years of care before blooming. The
other method, though slower, may be more interesting,
and it involves growing them from seed from a non-sterile
variety. Once pollinated, the flower will fade, and over the
next eight months or so, a two-pronged capsule or pod will
develop. Since we never know exactly when it will ripen, the
seed pod is wrapped in something like a nylon stocking
to catch the seed when the pod bursts. The seeds must
mature on the tree to be viable and once they pop, they
can be sewn directly into the soil.
For the most part, plumerias are disease resistant except
for the common rust disease, which occurs frequently in
our humid climate. This disease is caused by a wind-born try to choose the driest location in your garden and remove
spore that introduces a fungus that will defoliate most any fallen leaves to avoid new infections. Keep tall weeds
species, especially the Plumeria rubra. With that in mind, away and provide ample spacing to encourage drying of
leaves. If necessary, apply a fungicide according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Plumeria obtusa seedpod
Give plumerias six to eight hours of sun each day and dry
soil. If growing them in a container, be sure the planter
can drain completely. A bloom booster (10-30-10) fertilizer
is recommended, where the emphasis is on feeding a
higher phosphorous. Avoid high nitrogen (the 1st number)
so plants do not become leggy, and always stop fertilizing
approximately 45 days before they go dormant, or around
the middle of September in our region.
While Plumeria didn’t produce a suitable latex for Thomas
Edison, we realize the responsibility of preserving legacy
plants for generations to appreciate – for their history,
beauty and important role in our world’s culture.
*Indicates plants in the gardens at Edison and Ford Winter
Estates.
8 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATES
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
WearTheFund
Apparel that GIVES BACK
Tell us about your company and its history in Southwest Florida:
WearTheFund is a wholesale custom apparel company based in the heart of Fort Myers, serving clientele from large
commercial businesses and nonprofits to individuals. Offering high-quality apparel decorated in-house, “WTF” is
a social impact enterprise that "gives back" to charity on every order with $225,000+ given to almost 100 nonprofit
partners, including the Edison and Ford Winter Estates! Our mission is to "create a world where profit is not the
bottom-line, one shirt at a time."
It’s history? WearTheFund began as a pipedream.
Founder & CEO Sam Lewis was in business school when he had the idea to merge the ethos of a nonprofit with the
drive of a corporation (his “WTF” epiphany), but his professors shrugged it off. “You have to make money before you
can give money,” one told him, bestowing down the belief that philanthropy was a privilege only handed to those
who’d already been successful. “You can’t be Mother Teresa and Warren Buffet.”
Sam wasn’t buying it.
After graduating from the University of Florida, the dream was still running wild in his mind. So, hunkered down in
his parents’ garage back in Fort Myers, hours of YouTube tutorials and starter materials in front of him, Sam began
bringing the idea to life. Fast forward, WTF is going on 10 years serving Southwest Florida, and beyond.
Tell us why you chose to become a business member of the Edison and
Ford Winter Estates:
WearTheFund is only a few miles down the road from the Estates, plus we’ve partnered on custom merchandise for
summer camps and other events hosted at the beloved venue. It’s meaningful for our business to further support
this historic “gem” given our like-minded missions to build a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the overall
community.
Is there something special you would like to share about your company?
To us, just like Edison and Ford, we’re pioneers in the for-profit, for-impact niche; as the first in the industry to “give
back” on every order, we make sure every prospect understands what, exactly, is on the table. It’s a win/win/win value
proposition where equal attention is paid to quality control, competitive pricing, and social impact. Specializing in
anything with a logo on it — branded swag, special event apparel, uniforms, company gifts, and more— you can
contact us at info@wearthefund.com and follow our latest news and product updates on Facebook and Instagram
@wearthefund.
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 9
VIP TOURS
2021-2022
VIP Tour Season
OCTOBER 16, 2021
HOMESTEAD
Fruit & Spice Park, Cauley Square Historic Village
and Coral Castle
Call to see if space is still available. Fruit and Spice Park
NOVEMBER 13, 2021
NAPLES
Naples Botanical Gardens, lunch, visit to Tin City, and Eco Boat Tour of Dollar Bay
8:45a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Join us for a day outdoors in nature and on the water of Southwest Florida. Prepare to have all of your senses stimulated
by a day of adventure, education and activity. We will meet at Edison Ford in the morning for snacks and then depart
by bus (provided by Dolphin Transportation). Our first stop in the morning will be the beautiful award-winning, Naples
Botanical Gardens. We will have a private docent led tour for 90 minutes. Our groups will be small so it will be easier
to social distance. Founded in 1993, the property is more than 170 acres – almost 10 times as large as Edison Ford. Ellin
Goetz, who had ties to the Estates helped with the master plan of the gardens. A little more than half of the garden is
set aside as native SW Florida habitat. Naples Botanical Gardens is partnering with other gardens and together will
protect the native plant species.
Next, we will take the bus over to Tin City. This historic
location was used by the Calusa Indians as far back as
the 1500s. In 1887, a 600-foot pier was built in the Gulf of
Mexico with easier access for industrialists and celebrities
including Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and Greta Garbo.
When the construction of the Seaboard Airline railroad
made the tin-roofed buildings it became an economic and
transportation hub for Naples and the fishing industry.
In 1970 the marketplace of today was built. It currently
houses two waterfront restaurants, a riverwalk and retail
stores. Guests can purchase lunch at a location of their
choice and shopping on their own (there are more than
20 unique shops to visit).
After lunch we will depart from the dock and take a two-
hour, private eco cruise with a Master Naturalist who will
provide an educational and fun talk to get familiar with
the eco-system and one of the largest Mangrove forests
around. This will be the perfect way to end the day, with
a nice cool afternoon boat ride. Hopefully, we will get a
chance to see some dolphins too. If time permits, we can
Naples Botanical Garden stop back at Tin City for a beverage and see anything you
missed earlier.
10 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATESAll tours are subject to change and are based on availability.
Spaces are limited. Pre-paid, advanced registration is
required. Join the Membership program and take advantage
of the discounted price.
Tour Cost for members is $135, non-members $150.
Face masks are required on the bus. We will follow
COVID protocol in place at each location.
For questions or to make a reservation for this or any
tour, please contact Sherri Muske at 239-335-3677 or
smuske@edionford.org. Tours fill up quickly, so reserve
your space early.
Eco Boat Tour of Dollar Bay
DECEMBER 11, 2021
LARGO
Historic Heritage Village, early dinner on the waterfront
and tour of the Florida Botanical Gardens holiday lights.
JANUARY 15, 2022
EVERGLADES CITY
Historic Everglades Museum and walking tour, lunch at a
local establishment, Smallwood Museum and airboat ride
through the Everglades.
FEBRUARY 19, 2022
SARASOTA Florida Botanical
Private tour of the Ringling Art Museum, Ca’ d’ Zan, lunch
at the Ringling Grillroom and tour the circus museum.
MARCH 12, 2022
SAINT PETERSBURG
Dali Museum, lunch, glass blowing demonstration at the
Morean Art Center and Chihuly Museum tour.
Chihuly Museum
Ringling Art Musuem
Cancellation Policy – Cancellations must be made 14 days
prior to the tour date to receive a full refund, unless the
vacancy can be filled. Cancellations made by Edison and
Ford due to unforeseen circumstances will warrant a full
refund or credit for another tour in the same season.
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 11HISTORICAL CONNECTION
JANETT AND CHET PERRY
Prominent Fort Myers couple worked for Mina Edison
By Alexandria Edwards
Janett and Chet Perry were married in 1931 and made Some of the groups that Mina entertained included soldiers
lasting impacts on the development of Lee County, while from Buckingham field. At Seminole Lodge, they were served
working for Mina Edison in the late 1930s and early 1940s. buffet dinners and shared many stories. According to Janett,
We can still see those impacts today. Chet was born in 1910 most of them sat on the floor and enjoyed sharing details
when Lee County only had a population of 6,294 residents, about their families. Putting these dinners together usually
and Janett was born in 1906 in Atlanta, Georgia. Shortly required a lot of effort and Janett’s role was to compile lists
after her high school graduation, Janett moved to Fort and send out invitations. Marion Tillis, the Edison’s cook at the
Myers with her family. When they were growing up, there time, made large batches of fried chicken and hot biscuits
were no paved roads south of Arcadia until 1928, the year for the guests. Sidney Scarth, the Edison’s chauffeur, who
the Tamiami trail from Tampa to Miami (now US 41) was referred to Mina as “little mother,” gathered any last-minute
completed; and very few amenities were available, except supplies they needed.
for a couple of general stores.
Chet Perry was very supportive of his wife working with
Throughout the time the city was evolving, Chet led the Mina Edison to give back to the residents in Lee County,
development of some of the most valued institutions in and Mina also hired him as her business agent during
the county as he “always tried to be involved in things the time that Janett served as her secretary. He loved her
that helped people” (Fort Myers News Press). He began his indirect management style and recalled that all the staff
career at the Slater Lumber Company in North Fort Myers enjoyed working at Seminole Lodge and appreciated her
in the early 1930s; however, after the lumber market began congeniality. During the time that Chet worked for Mina,
to suffer, he applied for a job at the Fort Myers Press as a one of his main priorities was to rewire their home since it
Bookkeeper. Over the years, he rose to General Manager, was the first electrically powered home in Fort Myers. He
became a partial owner, and completed his career as the had all new wiring installed and set it up so a light would
president and a publisher. At the time, the Press was selling turn on in all the closets when they were opened.
more than 2,000 copies per day and by the time he passed
Similar to her husband, Janett was active in civic affairs,
away, they were distributing up to 120,000 copies.
serving as a volunteer for the Lee County Welfare Association,
While working for the Press, he served as the President of the Women’s Community Club, Lee Memorial Hospital
United Way, Lee Memorial Hospital, the Lee County Welfare Auxiliary, and the Royal Palm Yacht Club. She also served
Federation and the Rotary Club of Fort Myers. He was also as president of the Hammond Organ Society, the Collectors
instrumental in bringing Goodwill Industries to Lee County. Club, and the Rotary-Ann Club Fort Myers, which she founded.
Throughout his lifetime, this organization helped more than She was a highly spiritual woman and always kept to her
25,000 people with disabilities find a job that best suited religious roots, dedicating a lot of time to the Church of Jesus
them. According to Hatton Rogers, Goodwill’s past president, Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fort Myers. She purchased an
“if Chet hadn’t got us started in Lee County, many of those army barracks building in Page Field, with the purpose of
people would not have found viable employment.” establishing a chapel in Fort Myers to attract more members.
She obtained a crew of carpenters, painters and plumbers
While Chet was dedicating time to these valuable
that turned the barrack into a house of worship. The church
organizations, Janett was also establishing her own career
now has three separate congregations in the Fort Myers
path. After moving to Fort Myers in 1926, she became the
and Cape Coral area. At age 85, she was the Ward Relief
legal secretary for Jim Franklin, Sr., of the Henderson-Franklin
Society President and by 90, she served as the Fort Myers
law firm. Mr. Franklin believed she had great potential and
Stake Historian. In the final years of their lives, the couple
encouraged her to take the bar exam; however, she stepped
moved to Tallahassee to be closer to their children.
away from law and took a job as Mina Edison’s Social Secretary
after she married Chet. She assisted Mina by writing letters Visitors can learn more about the Edisons and their staff
and helped her arrange social events, recalling that “Mina on tours offered daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m
went to a lot of parties and hosted a few as well.”
12 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATESADULT EDUCATION
DIGITAL DISCUSSION:
How Edsel Ford and Ford Motor Company Helped Win World War II
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 • 10:30 a.m.
During World War II, the Ford Motor Company played an essential role in arming
the United States for success. Much of this success can be attributed to Edsel
Ford, the only son of Henry and Clara Ford.
While battling stomach cancer, Edsel helped create an assembly line at the
Willow Run plant that could produce crucial B-24 Liberator aircraft in an hour.
Join Program Manager, Holly Shaffer, for this f ree virtual discussion
(registration is required). Visit EdisonFord.org to register.
Silk Scarf Painting Class
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 • 10 A.M.
Marie Dyer will teach participants how to paint a 14” X 72”
scarf that can be worn or used as a piece of artwork.
All materials are included in the fee.
Class will take place in the River Pavilion.
Advance registration is required at EdisonFord.org.
Edison Ford members: $90; non-members: $100
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 13TOURS & PROGRAMS
TOURS &
PROGRAMS
Throughout the month, presentations are offered for
visitors to learn about music, sound and the phonograph,
how a motor works on Henry Ford’s Model T and making
movies with animated images. Historian-led guided tours
and self-guided tours of the site are offered daily. Through
the new app, narration is available in English, French,
German, and Spanish. Site maps are available in English,
French, German, Spanish and Chinese.
Automotive Tour
MONDAYS • 10:30 A.M.
Join Automotive Curator James Moss, for a new perspective
on the evolution of the automobile. Learn about production
and how to operate a vehicle. From the Model T to the Model
A, gasoline to electric, the Ford Motor Company and beyond,
the Automotive Tour promises to offer a new way to connect
with one of our most popular collections. Reservations are
not required for this tour.
Cost: Edison Ford Members: $15; non-members: Adults $40,
Teens (13-19) $30, Children (6-12) $16.
Inside-the-Homes Tours
TUESDAYS • 10:00 A.M. (first come, first served)
THURSDAYS • 10:00 A.M. (pre-registration required)
This tour is a unique opportunity to take a sneak peek inside
normally-closed areas of Thomas Edison’s “Seminole Lodge”
and Henry Ford’s “The Mangoes.” Approximate tour time is
90 minutes to two hours. (Allow additional time to view the
museum, laboratory, and gardens.)
Limited reservations available for this tour, pre-registration
required by calling 239-335-3674. Tours on Tuesdays offered
on a first-come, first served basis.
Cost: Edison Ford members: free (one time); non-members:
Adults $50, Teens (13-19) $35, Children (6-12) $20.
14 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATESGuided Garden Tour
Available by appointment for groups of five or more.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates botanical gardens contain more than 1,700 plants from six
continents including flowering plants and trees, fruit trees, palms, bamboo, cycads, vines, roses,
orchids, and Florida natives. On this tour, an experienced horticulturist leads visitors through the
20-acre site and highlights the different types of plants and their importance to the Edison and Ford
families. Visitors will see the Moonlight Garden, many rare plants and get to go behind-the-scenes in
the propagating nursery. Some of the plants in the gardens are available for sale in the on-site Garden
Shoppe. Call today to book your tour 239-334-7419.
Cost: $40 per person.
Private Guided Tour
Available By Appointment for groups with a maximum of nine people.
To accommodate families or small business groups, private guided tours are now available. These
tours are for small groups and ensure that families will not be on a tour with other tourists. Masks
are recommended on guided tours. Private tours should be reserved at least 48 hours in advance.
During a private tour, visitors will see the historic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the
caretaker's houses, swimming pool complex, Edison's study, the Moonlight Garden, and more than 20
acres of botanical gardens. After the tour, visitors may take extra time to stroll the gardens, museum
and botanic research laboratory at their own pace.
Cost: $345 per group.
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 15BOOK OF THE MONTH
Book of the Month:
Florida’s Ghostly
Legends and
Haunted Folklore,
Volume 2
By Greg Jenkins
Room on the Broom
By Julia Donaldson
This month we are featuring two books that are perfect for some spooky Halloween reading:
one for adults and one for children. “Florida’s Ghostly Legends and Haunted Folklore” focuses
on the haunted places in northern Florida. The author examines the history, legend and
paranormal activity of northern Florida’s haunted locations.
Our other book, “Room on the Broom,” is a delightfully illustrated picture book that tells
the story of a witch who loses her wand and hat and many other items in a wind storm. Her
friends join in riding on the broom to help locate the missing items. This book is fun to read
aloud and it makes a great addition to a young reader’s book collection.
Both books are available in our Museum Store, or you may call 239-334-7419 and we
can have it shipped to you. Members receive 10 % off the purchase price.
16 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATESJUST FOR KIDS
Emerging Inventors
OCTOBER 5 • 9 A.M. (CLASS IS FULL)
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Emerging Inventors programs are
designed for children ages 18 months to 5 years old, and include
opportunities to socialize with other children, educational activities,
science experiments, and exploration of the property. These sessions
will take place in our new Wizard's Workshop gallery space, and children
will learn how electricity is generated, using kid friendly materials such
as conductive clay, how sound works, and so much more. Classes will
run from September through May. Includes one adult and one child.
Space is limited.
Edison Ford members: $10; non-members: $15.
School Break Camp: Spooky Science
OCTOBER 15 • 9 A.M.
School Break camps are designed for students ages 6 to 12 when school
is out. Campers explore Edison's "living laboratory" while our educators,
called "Wild Wizards," teach topics in STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, art, and math), history and the natural world. In keeping
with the Halloween spirit, students will create some wild and wacky
science experiments in this one-day camp including a glowing lava
lamp and several forms of slime. Students are invited to take part in
this crash course in mad science!
Edison Ford members: $45; non-members: $50.
Homeschool Science Scholars:
Magnetic Forces
GRADES 1-3: OCTOBER 13 • 10 A.M.
GRADES 4-6: OCTOBER 14 • 10 A.M. (CLASS IS FULL)
Homeschool Science scholar programs are designed for children in
grades 1-6 and are typically held in an outdoor classroom environment
(weather permitting). Our education staff, called “Wild Wizards” will
challenge student’s minds and foster collaboration in this science
and engineering series. Classes are a combination of instruction and
hands-on activities that are designed to facilitate homeschool or virtual
science education. In this session, students will learn about physics,
magnetism, and engineering. Edison ford Educators will take students
on a deep dive into the invisible force of magnetism and how it can be
used to do work! Includes one adult and one child.
Space is limited.
Edison Ford members: $15 each or $105 for series; non-members: $25
each or $185 for series.
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 17CURATORIAL CORNER
As Edison Ford prepares to hold our annual Orchid Sale
and Symposium, this Curatorial Corner looks at one of the
reasons behind the event – Mina Edison’s love of orchids.
Both Thomas and Mina loved nature; Mina once stated
“Flowers ... have made the most important appeal in our
domestic life, outside of music. Soon after our marriage I
found that no matter how absorbed Mr. Edison might be
in the experiments of the laboratory he could always find
time to inspect the products of our conservatory or garden.”
Over the many years spent in Florida, Mina developed a love for the varied and unique orchids. In 1908, a caretaker
purchased the first documented orchid for the estate (Laelia babyloniae). As Mina’s affection for the orchid became
known, famous horticulturalists working in Florida brought orchids and bromeliads as gifts to the estate. One writer
recalled that people worldwide sent Mina orchids once they knew how much she enjoyed them. Around the same
time, Mina Edison had a new greenhouse constructed at the family’s home in New Jersey. The greenhouse was
divided into various houses: the palm house, used to grow plants for the Conservatory; a lean-to used mostly for
growing poinsettias for the holidays; the rose house, used for growing roses; a carnation house, used to grow cut
flowers for decorating the Edison house; a propagation house; and an orchid house. Mrs. Edison was now able to
enjoy her botanical passion year round.
As her collection grew, Mina began working with two professional botanists with an interest in orchids and bromeliads,
Dr. Henry Nehrling and Dr. Walter M. Buswell (between 1928 and 1933). When Nehrling spoke to the Florida Federation
of Garden Clubs in 1929, he stated, “I am to report the epiphytic plants (orchids, bromeliads and ferns) were growing
with exceptional vigor throughout the [Edison’s] property.” Mina lined a pathway with a variety of epiphytes, and it
became known as Orchid Lane. Nehrling referenced Orchid Lane, stating “An avenue of fine old Mango Trees lines
the inside of the garden along the street. These large Mango Trees are particularly adapted for air gardens. I
have tied many fine tropical Bromeliads and orchids to these old trees where they are growing with exceptional
vigor. Last spring [1928] Dr. J.K. Small brought a few fine clumps of the noble Oncidium luridum from the Cape
Sable region, which were also fastened with copper wire to the trunks of these old Mangoes … These air-gardens
will, in the future, form quite a feature in this unique garden. Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis, some Dendrobiums and
many other gorgeous Orchids, growing well in the open in South Florida, will be used largely on the trunks of the
Mango and other trees. Mrs. Edison, an ardent plant lover and extremely attached to her garden, is particularly
interested in Orchids and Bromeliads.”
The location between the homes and McGregor Boulevard fits orchids’ requirements well: shade, a reasonable
amount of moisture in the air, and protection from strong winds. The orchids were placed about four to five feet off
the ground so that it would be easy to care for them.
While Buswell was inventorying the Estate in 1930, he concluded the Edison Estate contained the most representative
collection of tropical foliage of any in the community. He declared “the public has no idea of the extent of the tropical
plantings ... palms, trees, flowers, shrubs, and vines ... many rare orchids.”
In April of 1942, the 78-year-old, twice widowed Mrs. Edison arrived in Fort Myers. A normally tiring journey had been
made five hours longer due to delays. Even though it was after midnight by the time she got to Seminole Lodge,
her love of her orchids was such that she immediately grabbed a flashlight and began touring the property in the
dark. Mina couldn’t wait until morning to see her orchids and smell the orange blossoms. She loved her flowers, not
wanting to leave them when she inevitably had to go home to Glenmont. “How I wish,” she once said, “I could pick it
all up in my arms and carry it with me.”
Today, the Estates showcases Mina’s love of orchids, with the hundreds of orchids tied to trees across the property.
We hope you can come share in the Edisons’ affection for plants at our Orchid Sale and Symposium, October 9-10.
By Brent Newman, Chief Curator
18 EDISON and FORD winter ESTATESCONGRATULATIONS!
JOIN US in congratulating
Steve Glasener on 35 years
of employment with
Edison and Ford Winter Estates!
Steve is our Lead Custodian and
the go-to guy whenever we need
anything. He is a valuable member
of the Edison Ford family!
THANK YOU, Steve for all the
years of hard work!
GIFTS &
SOUVENIRS
Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone else or something special for yourself, the Museum
Store, Ford Cottage Shoppe and the Edison Ford Shoppe at Edison Mall have lots of unique items!
For anyone looking for something tropical to commemorate their visit to Florida, we have many
Florida-themed items, including citrus perfumes, orange butter, and locally-produced honey.
We can even ship items to you if you’re not in the area.
EXPLORE MORE @edisonford.org 19GARDEN SHOPPE
We have lots of edible plants in stock!
If you’ve been thinking about planting some vegetables, or
maybe creating your own food forest, fall is the time to start
planting! The Garden Shoppe staff have been growing edibles
from seed, so these plants are not treated with pesticides. We
have collard greens, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce, watermelon,
and pak choy – and that is just the tip of the iceberg; we’ll
have more soon! We also have lots of fruit trees, including
papaya, bananas, soursop, mombin, jackfruit, starfruit, and
Muscadine grapevines! Plus, we have lots of herbs available
and some are host plants for butterflies – if you feel like sharing!
The Garden Shoppe is open every day from
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We hope to see you soon!
2350 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Newsletter sponsored
Panther Printing
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a National Register Historic
and printed by
Site and a Save America’s Treasures site of the National Trust for
Historic Preservation. The Edison laboratory is a National Historic
Chemical Landmark. It is governed by a private, non-prof it
organization with a Board of Trustees.You can also read
